General Rates

All Councils in Australia charge property rates. They provide Council with the money that is needed to pay for a broad range of services, programs, facilities and infrastructure from parks and playgrounds to roads and immunisations. Rates are levied on each property based on its Capital Improved Value, being the market value of the property including land and all improvements, but not including chattels, furniture and fittings (check the related Valuations page to see how Capital Improved Valuations are determined).

Rates on a property are calculated by multiplying the Capital Improved Value by the applicable rate in the dollar. The rate in the dollar used is determined by the Valuer's classification of the property and Council's rate strategy. The annual rate notice for a property will show the classification and the applicable rate in the dollar.

Residential Rate in the Dollar: 0.004908 cents

Farm Rate in the Dollar: 0.003926 cents (80% differential)

Commercial Rate in the Dollar: 0.004908 cents

Industrial Rate in the Dollar: 0.004908 cents

Municipal Charge

A municipal charge of $287.00 is levied on all rateable properties, with exemptions applicable where more than one farming property makes up a single farming enterprise operated by the same person or persons. Farmers can apply for an exemption from paying more than one municipal charge with the Single Farming Enterprise form below. Where a farming enterprise consists of more than one dwelling, a municipal charge is applicable to every additional dwelling.

Garbage Charges

Garbage charges for the collection and disposal of domestic refuse are levied on all residential properties in the Horsham and Natimuk townships, according to the capacity of garbage bins selected by owners, at the following annual charges per bin:

Type of Charge

2017/2018 Charge

2018/2019 Charge

Urban 240 Litre Bin

$360

$394

Urban 120 Litre Bin

$221

$253

Rural 240 Litre Bin

$360

$365

Rural 120 Litre Bin

$221

$224

Commercial 120 Litre Bin

$360

$365

Commercial 240 Litre Bin

$377

$382

Commercial Recycling Bin only

$106

$136

The urban and commercial bin charges include one 240 litre recycling bin service collected fortnightly in serviced areas. Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged bins may be at a cost to property owners or occupiers. You can upsize, downsize or replace your current garbage bin by completing the form.

The larger increase in the Urban (240L and 120L bins) as well as Commercial Recycling (only) charge is a result of the Victorian wide recycling crisis, which has increased the costs associated with processing recycled materials. Previously, Council's collection contractor received a fee to deliver recyclable materials to the gate of their processor - but now they have to pay for it to be processed. Council is mindful of the steep increase in the bin charge this year, and will provide one waste voucher per assessment to all customers that pay one of these three charges. This voucher will only be offered at the time that the annual notices are received in mid-August. Unfortunately, if you do not receive this voucher at the time that the annual notices are posted, we will not be able to reprint these vouchers.

Pensioner Concession

A maximum rebate of $279.40 on your rates is available upon application to eligible pensioners for their principal place of residence.

To claim a concession on your rates and charges you must ensure that:

You have one of the eligible concession cards and it is valid at the time of application

You are the person responsible for payment of the rate account

Your name is on the rate account

Your name and address on the rate account matches that on the concession card

Click here to view a full list of pension concessions, benefits and assistance available to Victorians.

To claim a concession on your rates you will need to complete an application form at the Council Offices and present your current concession card. Having been granted a rate concession, no further applications are required unless you change your residential address.

Fire Services Property Levy

The Victorian Government introduced a property based fire levy from 1 July 2013 in response to the recommendations from the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.

Due Dates

In Full by 15 February 2019 OR

Four Instalments over the year as follows:

1st Instalment: 1 October 2018

2nd Instalment: 30 November 2018

3rd Instalment: 28 February 2019

4th Instalment: 31 May 2019

If the first instalment is not paid by the first instalment due date then you will automatically be required to pay your rates in full by the 15 February 2019. Notices for the second, third and fourth instalments will be forwarded at least 14 days prior to the due dates. Please note that the first instalment includes any arrears and interest.

How to Make a Payment

In Person
At the Council Office in Horsham - 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham
At the Council Office in Natimuk (Thursdays 9-12 only) - 62 Main Street, Natimuk
At any Australian Post Office

Centrepay Deductions
Centrepay enables Centrelink customers to pay a portion of their rates on a fortnightly basis as a direct debit deduction from their fortnightly income. For more information, please click here.

Interest and Penalties

Rates are levied annually. They must be paid in four instalments or as a lump sum. Details and payment options are on the rate notice.

Unpaid Rates

Unpaid rates remain a debt on the property, regardless of any change of ownership. If rates or charges remain overdue for more than three years without an arrangement made with Council, a court order may be obtained to either sell, or assume ownership of the land to recover the debt.

Penalty Interest

If you are issued with a rate notice you should make sure you give it prompt attention. Council charges penalty interest on unpaid rates and charges in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and the Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983.

Financial Hardship

You may apply to Council with the form below for a deferral if you believe that you will suffer financial hardship by paying your rates. For more information, see our Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy below.

Rates Strategy

Request a Rates Notice Reprint

Due to privacy laws, you must be the property owner to obtain the property's rate notice or any other property and/or rates information. We are unable to discuss a rates account if you are a spouse, partner or other family member.